Al-Fahim: I'm the new Abramovich

Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the owner-elect of Manchester City, expects his group's takeover of the club to have the same impact as Roman Abramovich's buy-out of Chelsea five years ago.

PUBLISHED: 00:00, Tue, Sep 2, 2008

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Subject to due diligence, Al-Fahim's Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) will be the new majority shareholders in the Barclays Premier League club after the two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the change of ownership.

Asked how ADUG's takeover of City would compare with Abramovich's Chelsea buy-out - which has yielded two Premier League titles and an FA Cup - Al-Fahim told PA Sport: "I think it will be the same. We would like to see Manchester City fighting for trophies in every tournament."

He added: "We don't just want Manchester City to be challenging for trophies in England, but also in the Champions League. We want them to be in for every trophy available."

In a statement released on Monday, ADUG said the aim would be for City to compete in the Champions League in the 2009-10 campaign - a feat that would require a top-four finish this season.

However, although the club have started the season in promising form and currently sit third in the table after three games, Al-Fahim appeared to acknowledge the real hunt for trophies would begin next season.

"A place in the Champions League is quite a jump from last season, but we are ready to sit down with the manager, find out the players he would like, and bring the right players into the club," Al-Fahim added.

"This season we would like to be a lot better than last season, and we are eager for trophies next season."

Al-Fahim is also keen to explore possible new revenue streams for the club, ensuring City will not have to solely rely on the funds made available by ADUG.

"Our message to the fans would be we promise we are here to sustain the club and make Manchester City competitive for trophies at the highest level," said Al-Fahim.

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